Monday, January 30, 2012

Storage Solution: Baskets

So I've posted a couple times (here & here) about getting our home organized.  We definitely came a long way last year on this front.  We did some minor things in the kitchen like installing elfa in a pantry cabinet in our kitchen, reorganizing things so that what we use most is easily accessibly and we installed pull out garbage bins that are hidden in small cabinets that weren't convenient for much else. Those small and inexpensive changes made a huge difference in the functionality and amount of storage we had in our kitchen. We also purchased the lack shelving unit (prior to it being discontinued) and organized a lot of our paperwork and misc office items.  The big thing we did was having built ins installed in our living room - this provided us more storage than I think we ever realized it would.  It stores all of our books, electronic items, movies, games, throws, the list goes on and on.  We still have a ways to go though. Some of our closets are a mess and we still just feel as if there is so much stuff in random places.  So my work in this area continues.  One of my favorite ways to organize in a way that still looks good is buy using baskets for storage.  I'm currently on the hunt for a large one to place above our front hall closet.  These are all contenders.


                                                                 Modern Weave Storage Collection | west elm, $89

Other great sources for storage baskets is target, world market & ballard designs.  I need either 2 medium sized baskets or one large one to maximize the space above our front closet - currently there is nothing there and I feel like in our little condo it is a waste of space. I don't went anything to decor-y up there, just something simple and functional.

I want it to have a look similar to this.



Do you use baskets for some eye pleasing storage in your home?  Any other great sources for large storage baskets?

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Hello Perfect Foyer

Alaina posted this space on her blog the other day as part of her chevron rug source post and I have not been able to get it out of my head!



Anyone know the source of this one?  I would love to see more of this space and would definitely love to see more of this home!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Wedding Wednesday: Chalk

Chalk and chalkboards have started showing up all over the design world.  We've seen refrigerators painted with chalkboard paint to wine glasses with your name written out in chalk.  Now chalk has also started showing up in the wedding world and I'm really loving how creative people can get with the stuff.







How about using it to share info with your guests - the menu, where they are seated, etc.


How amazing is this photo backdrop?!



If these images are inspiring you to incorporate chalk into your wedding or event be sure to check out Custom Chalk on etsy and please, please look at the work of Dana Tanamachi - she even did the cover of Oprah this month and if she's good enough for Oprah...


Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Hello Rossini

Well I have gone and fallen head over heels in love with a fabric.  Here she is.

via here

The colors, the pattern - I'm literally obsessed.  Here are some photos of her put to work.




Last three via Full House


Last two via here

The fabric is called Rossini and it is by Jane Churchill for Cowtan & Tout.  I can no longer find it on Jane Churchill's site but I can still find it via Cowtan & Tout.  This would be the perfect fabric for our office/guest room.  Does anyone know if this is still available to order?  Do you love it as much as I?!  Where can I find it - help!




Thursday, January 19, 2012

Hello City Park

I have been searching and searching for the perfect wallpaper for our guest bath.  I was really set on going with either Osborne & Little's Paradiso by Nina Campbell or Cole & Son's Hummingbirds.




I was torn and continually looking at other options to see if I would find something that I just knew was right. Then, this morning I picked up the newest issue of Chicago Social Interiors and I was floored when I came upon this wallpaper.


I love so many things about it.  I love the coral color.  I love the pattern and when I looked into the source I discovered even more things to love about it.  The wallpaper is called City Park and is by Flavor Paper.  It is an urban take on the damask pattern and hides lots of fun surprises.  Here is the image from their website.


Can you see what I'm talking about yet?  Hidden (kind of) in the damask pattern is fire hydrants, pigeons, rats, & parking meters!  I think it's really hilarious and I think it makes a somewhat girly, traditional pattern a little more fun and edgy.  I definitely think it makes the idea of wallpaper a little more appealing to my husband. I have already emailed the company to find out about ordering this in the coral color and I am anxiously awaiting their response.  I love it when the exact thing you've been looking for (when you weren't really sure what you were looking for) finds you.

Thoughts?  Would you put these urban items up on your wall if you could disguise them in pretty coral damask?  I'm pretty set on it.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Wedding Wednesday: Leather

So last week on Wedding Wednesday I showed you some beautiful examples of cotton used in wedding decor.  This week, I am going to share with you an even more unconventional material - leather.  Have you seen the beautiful wedding of Jose Villa to Joel Serrato that was featured in the most recent issue of Martha Stewart Weddings?  If not, you must check it out here.

Jose & Joel used leather throughout their wedding from the invitations, to the coasters, to the place settings.  It was so great to see what is thought of as such a masculine material look so beautiful.

                                                     
                                                                                      Source: marthastewartweddings.com via hellolover on Pinterest


                                                     
                                                                                     Source: marthastewartweddings.com via hellolover on Pinterest


Don't you just love this?!  The whole wedding was absolutely stunning - and the leather touches were absolutely perfect.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Hello Olive & Cocoa

Have you come across the online store Olive & Cocoa?  If not, prepare to pleasantly surprised.  They are an online source for gifts - and they really take the art of gift giving seriously.  

Check out their florals - they are truly stunning. No generic rose or daisy bouquets here.


Their food baskets are greatly styled.


They also have some really fun home decor items.  I adore these dogs! 
This guy is Jack. I really love him.

And how about this shaggy little friend?!

They also have some really great items for children (or for their parents with the idea that they are for the kids).
This is a tooth fairy dish - a pretty alternative to an envelope under the pillow. 

Some really adorable socks that look like little girls shoes. 

Tabletop items,
Gorgeous pink tapers. 

Individual cupcake stands. 

Some really simple, beautiful jewelry. 


My favorite thing about this company is probably how they make packaging an important part of the gift - look at how beautiful these boxes are, and they even wrap them in satin ribbon! 

Have any of you ordered anything from here? If so, what was your experience like? Any other great gift giving sources you want to share?!

Monday, January 16, 2012

Hello Geronimo Balloons

This time of year has me feeling like we are jumping from one Holiday to the next.  And next, just happens to be Valentine's Day.  My husband and I really don't make a big to-do out of this day.  I usually grab some cheese and wine from whole foods or some sushi from our favorite place and have a quiet night at home.  But after seeing Geronimo Balloons little V-Day video I wouldn't mind coming home to this.

                                                                      Source: geronimoballoons.com via hellolover on Pinterest


Here is the video
      

How fun would it be to receive this?! I mean maybe a little embarrassing at some uber professional office (which I do not work in)- but at my front door - yes please!

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Shabby Apple Winner

Sorry I'm a few days late on announcing the Shabby Apple giveaway winner - work got a little crazy at the end of the week.  I picked the winner the old fashion way.  I put all the entries into my little anthro mug, shook it up and picked out the winner.



Without any further delay, the winner is Missy, who said:

Oh my goodness! I LOVE the teachers pet skirt! And I "like" shabby apple on Facebook! :)


Congrats Missy & Thanks to all who entered!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Wedding Wednesday: Cotton

I love seeing unique wedding decor.  Now understand - I never really tire of seeing a beautiful bouquet of peonies or ranunculus, but every once in a while it is refreshing to see a centerpiece or bouquet made of a different type of material. Enter, cotton.  Most people would never even think of cotton in terms of wedding decor, but personally, I can't get enough of it.  Here are some great ways cotton is used in weddings, from miscellaneous decor to centerpieces to boutonnieres and bouquets.

                                                                                              Source: birdsinchandeliers.com via hellolover on Pinterest

                                                                                                 Source: stylemepretty.com via hellolover on Pinterest

                                                                                                    Source: cottonman.com via hellolover on Pinterest

                                                                                         Source: stephaniewilliamsphotography.com via hellolover on Pinterest


  
                                                                                            Source: stephaniewilliamsphotography.com via hellolover on Pinterest

                                                                                        Source: stephaniewilliamsphotography.com via hellolover on Pinterest

                                                                                             Source: jasminestarblog.com via hellolover on Pinterest

                                                                                                          Source: idodeals.net via hellolover on Pinterest

                                                                                                               Source: idodeals.net via hellolover on Pinterest

                                                                         Source: helloloverofbeautifulthings.blogspot.com via hellolover on Pinterest


What non main stream items do you really love seeing used for wedding decor?  What about winter weddings - I love the idea of using cotton in a winter wedding!

Don't forget today is the last day to enter the Shabby Apple giveaway - all entries need to be submitted by midnight.  I'll announce the winner this Friday, January 13th.